Let's open the door to a better future
Since 2003, Eunjin Kim has been donating regularly to Habitat Korea. She has inspired her children to do likewise. She believes home is the foundation of our lives.
In 2026, we commemorate Habitat for Humanity’s 50th anniversary and get ready for the next 50 years of impact. Long-term supporters such as Eunjin Kim from South Korea play a key role in powering Habitat’s mission.
When Eunjin started studying in the university in 1997, she saw Habitat for Humanity Korea’s flyers on campus recruiting for volunteers. She decided to join an international volunteers build in a remote area in the Philippines.
“I have always been interested in homes — the foundation of our lives. I believe a home is what everyone needs. The first-hand experience of building a home gave me a whole new perspective,” she said.
“I remembered drawing a picture of a house together with a child from the community. Unlike other children, he started by drawing the house from the pillars. I thought, ‘This child has witnessed the entire process of building a house.’ This memory has stayed with me. I hope he would grow up to be someone who can help others some day.”
The following year, in 1998, Eunjin helped to raise funds for Habitat Korea under its campaign by cycling across Taebaek, Gwangyang and other cities. “We traveled from place to place, raising awareness and funds. My bike helmet was often used as a donation box,” she recalled. “It was really challenging but it remains an unforgettable and meaningful memory.”
She has been a regular donor to Habitat Korea since 2003. Both of her children have also become regular donors. “We donate regularly because I want my children to always think of sharing with others as a natural part of their lives.” The various campaign merchandise and publications from Habitat Korea in Eunjin’s home speak of her family’s support.
Eunjin (bottom, center) wants her children to learn to share with others. She looks forward to volunteering together with them when they grow up. Photos courtesy of Eunjin Kim.
Her long-term involvement has an effect on the children. One of them was proud to hear the name of Habitat for Humanity during their social studies class about nongovernmental organizations. When asked to introduce herself in school, another child drew a picture of Eunjin volunteering with Habitat Korea at a build site. “When my children grow up, I really want to volunteer together as a family with Habitat Korea. My children are eagerly awaiting that day.”
“When we think of a miracle, we often think of something grand and vast. For me, a miracle is when countless small drops of perspiration come together and a home is built. And it is so rewarding because a home is tangible and visible,” said Eunjin.
Food, clothing and shelter are considered as important in people’s lives. “Among these, I believe a safe, secure and affordable home — a place to lay one’s head — is the most important. Even though building a home requires a great deal of time and financial resources, I believe it is truly remarkable and I deeply appreciate Habitat Korea for continuing to build and repair homes with people in housing vulnerability.”
Thinking of families who partner with Habitat Korea, she quoted Albert Schweitzer, “if there is light within me, it will shine on its own.” She added, “I hope you will never forget that each of you has the ability to shine in your own way, and that you will never let the spark within you fade.”
Eunjin hopes Habitat Korea will be more widely known. Currently, there aren’t any Habitat activities for students in middle and high schools. “If there were, children might be with Habitat Korea — like I did — when they grow up.”
The original web story in Korean can be read here.
Learn more about how Habitat Korea brings people together to address the housing need.